APPARATUS AND METHOD EMPLOYING MAGNETIC FLUID FOR SEPARATING PARTICLES

摘要

A magnetohydrostatic centrifuge of unique geometry in which an elongated separation space is provided within the bore of an elongate cylindrically shaped multipolar magnet. Separations are accomplished both with and without rotation by passing particles to be separated through the separation space within a paramagnetic or ferromagnetic fluid. Certain separations are preferably made using a quadrupolar magnet configuration with a paramagnetic fluid, others with a quadrupolar magnet and a ferromagnetic fluid, and still others, with a sextupolar magnet and a ferromagnetic fluid. Efficient use is made of the magnetic field through the use of a plurality of inner ducts creating a plurality of thin, elongate separation channels characterized by long particle dwell time and short drift distances during the separation process. Significant throughput capacity is achieved in a system in which the magnetic medium is pumped through the separator.